Nursing and Healthcare Professions Camp

 Providing students the opportunity to observe the daily professional duties and responsibilities of nurses and other healthcare professionals can be a valuable educational experience. This Summer, Southeast Georgia Health System, partnered with College of Coastal Georgia, offers a unique four-day Nursing and Healthcare Professions Camp experience, allowing students in grades 11 and 12 to shadow nurses and other healthcare professionals, be introduced to clinical care in both simulation and real-life settings and develop a better understanding of healthcare career opportunities. We provide a positive, safe learning environment where students are always under the direct visual supervision of faculty from College of Coastal Georgia and hands-on staff from Southeast Georgia Health System.

2024 Nursing and Healthcare Professions Camp information

When: Two sessions available! June 4-7 or July 16-19, 2024, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: College of Coastal Georgia and Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick Campus

To accommodate students who may live out of town, overnight lodging is available at the College of Coastal Georgia's residential housing dorms!

Training

The camp is designed to introduce high school students to the field of nursing and other healthcare professionals. No previous experience is necessary. Training will include:

Technology and equipment in nursing

Vital signs and basic health assessments

Clinical shadowing experience

Simulation learning

Lab and morgue tour

Basic hands-on CPR training

Basic first aid training

Completed application forms may be mailed to:

College of Coastal Georgia

One College Drive

Brunswick, GA 31520

Attention: Lydia Watkins

 

Forms are available in Dr. Morton's office.  

Should You Get College Tuition Insurance?

 By: Suzanne Shaffer

A college education is a big investment. According to a recent survey, the average cost of college in the United States is $35,331 per student per year.

This price tag has more than doubled over the past 20 years. The average cost of an in-state public four-year institution is $25,487 per academic year; a traditional private university is $53,217 per academic year.

Due to the large investment required to attend college, families would suffer financially if a student were forced to withdraw from school and not receive a tuition refund. Most families can’t just throw that kind of money away and not be able to recoup any of their investment.

If there is one lesson we've learned from the pandemic, it’s that you should never take anything for granted — especially college. In 2020–21, many new high school graduates opted to delay their college plans because of the lockdowns. Students who'd paid tuition before opting out had to eat those costs unless the college offered them a refund.

Then there was spring '20, when campuses emptied as students were sent home because of COVID-19. Colleges were mostly willing to refund some room and board, but tuition refunds were rare since instruction continued online. Some families filed lawsuits against the colleges because the education their student received was not what they were promised.

Since higher education is such a large investment, it’s important to know your school’s refund policy and explore other options to recoup your funds in the event of a withdrawal.

School Refund Policies

Tuition refund policies vary from college to college. They are usually offered on a sliding scale and most colleges won’t refund any money after the fourth week of classes.

For example, the University of Texas, a public university, offers a 100% refund prior to the first day of class, 80% during the first five class days, 70% during the second five class days, and so on with no refund after the fourth week of five class days. Boston College, a private institution, will refund 100% before the start of class, 80% during the first week, 60% during the second week, 40% the third week, and 20% the fourth week.

After the four weeks, most colleges won’t even offer a refund in the event of a withdrawal for a medical reason, although in some cases if a student is granted a Medical Leave of Absence the tuition they've paid for that term will be held by the college and can be applied for the term when the student returns.

A study conducted by HigherEdStudy for GradGuard found that only 6% of schools surveyed provide 100% refunds of tuition and fees to students who completed a medical withdrawal — down from 23% in 2015. None of the public colleges surveyed provide 100% refunds, and 40% of schools don’t provide any refund for student fees and academic fees.

Schools outline their refund policies on their websites, typically on the Student Accounts/Financial Services or school treasurer (Bursar's) pages. The information should also be included in the online university catalog. If you can’t find it online, call the college and ask.

Tuition Insurance

According to John Fees, co-founder and CEO of GradGuard, a company that offers tuition insurance, some people don’t think tuition insurance is a good buy. They compare it to travel insurance. "That isn’t fair," says Fees, "because cancelling a $3,000 cruise is not life-changing when leaving school can derail a student and family’s life and may cost a multiple of what a cruise does."

Current health trends demonstrate that students’ education is being disrupted by accidents, injuries, illnesses and more. The American College Health Associations National College Health Assessment from 2019 indicates four common student illness and their impacts on degree completion:

• Flu: 37,000 students delayed their education
• Concussion: 29,000 students delayed their education
• Mononucleosis: 15,000 students delayed their education
• Pneumonia: 11,000 students delayed their education

The study also shows that 75% of public institutions and 67% of private ones have seen an increase in medical withdrawals.

Many colleges and universities partner with companies like GradGuard to give students and their families an option beyond the standard refund policies. Information about tuition insurance (what it covers and how much it costs) is typically sent at the same time as the tuition statement and the billing process is usually integrated into the institution’s billing. If you don’t purchase through the college, you can also purchase tuition insurance privately through the companies themselves, although the cost may be slightly higher.

Tuition insurance is reasonably priced based on the amount it will cover, roughly 1% of the college’s tuition cost. GradGuard partners with over 400 colleges and universities. Another provider, A.W.G. Dewar, partners with over 60 colleges and universities, most of which are private.

In a recent article in Inside Higher Ed, Fees of GradGuard reported, “We’ve seen almost four times growth in the business in two years. We are seeing record numbers of purchase rates, and we’re paying a lot of claims. More students and more universities are adopting the program.”

The insurance covers withdrawals due to injuries, illness such as sickness related to COVID-19, and mental health. Fees recommends that it’s wise to get coverage in an amount that equals your out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees and housing. Coverage is purchased per term, so it must be renewed each semester. It must also be purchased prior to the start of classes.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before purchasing tuition insurance, it’s wise to find out what the refund policy is at the college your student attends. If the college refunds your money at any point during the school year, you won’t need the insurance. But if the college’s policy has strict refund deadlines and the percentages of return are low, insurance could be a wise purchase.

Here are a few questions you can ask before purchasing the insurance:

1. Does the policy cover illness, injury, mental health, substance abuse, COVID-related sickness?
2. Does it cover preexisting conditions and what are the guidelines?
3. Is the payout the same for all reasons for withdrawals?
4. What does the claims process involve?
5. Will payment be made to the parent or the college?

In these uncertain times, it makes sense to know the refund policy at your student's college or university and explore the benefits of tuition insurance.

How to Get In-State Tuition Prices at an Out-of-State College

 By: Suzanne Shaffer

It’s common knowledge that public universities in your state offer students the most affordable option when it comes to a college education. In addition, the pandemic has certainly played a part in keeping students closer to home.

However, as Covid restrictions are lifted and colleges move toward normalcy, your student may choose to attend a college further away from home.

That could present a financial dilemma if your student wants to attend one of the many out-of-state public universities where you aren’t a resident. Be prepared to pay a higher price than in-state residents.

If you can’t find a good public university option in your state and your student wants to attend one in another state, don’t despair. Here are six options to consider.

1. Establish In-State Residency

Establishing residency in the state of the college your student wants to attend could be an option. However, there are guidelines you will need to follow:

• Generally, students must establish residency for 12 months prior to enrolling.
• Students need to provide proof of residency: driver’s license, voter registration, car registration.
• Colleges screen students for relocation purposes and students must demonstrate financial independence.
• If parents claim the student as a dependent on taxes, the student is considered a resident of the state the parents file in.
• A student of divorced parents might qualify for residency in both states depending on where the financial support comes from.

These are basic guidelines. If you are considering this option, check with the college to verify residency requirements.

One exception to residency rules would be if one or both parents are in the military. Many universities will offer a tuition waiver that allows the student to qualify for in-state rates.

2. Find Universities with Low Out-of-State Sticker Prices

Many schools in less populated areas are eager to attract students and willing to offer reduced rates to out-of-state students. At some of these schools, the tuition will be comparable to some of the high in-state colleges and universities. Schools like University of Virginia and University of Michigan have high in-state tuition rates. It might be cheaper to attend a college out-of-state at a low-priced university if your state has high priced public universities.

In addition, if your student is applying to out-of-state public schools, financial aid might come in the form of non-resident merit scholarships or tuition discounts reducing the cost you will pay.

3. Find Schools that Offer In-State Rates to Attract Students

When my daughter was applying out of state, we found this out quickly. Since she was a good student with a high GPA and other academic achievements, some colleges offered her merit scholarships and tuition waivers because she was applying to an eastern college with very few Texans in their student population.

The University of Alabama, for instance, will award students with a high GPA and good standardized test scores a $20,000 annual scholarship which will offset the out-of-state costs. Texas A&M University will waive non-resident tuition if your student is awarded an institutional scholarship of at least $4,000.

If your student is an average student, don’t despair. Colleges are still looking for out-of-state residents to diversify their student population. Oklahoma State University will give non-residents $10,000 a year if they score 24 on the ACT or 1190 on the SAT and have a 3.0 GPA. Some colleges waive out-of-state fees for students who meet minimal qualifications, such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette that awards out-of-state tuition waivers to students with ACT scores of 20 or SAT scores of at least 1030, and GPAs of at least 2.5.

Scour the college websites and search for these accommodations for out-of-state students if your student has their heart set on attending a public university out of state.

4. Look for State Reciprocity Agreements

Sometimes states have flexible residency requirements for students who live near state lines and want to attend college in a nearby state.

Minnesota holds a reciprocity agreement with several neighboring states: Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, plus a community college in Iowa and the Canadian province of Manitoba. This agreement reduces nonresident tuition for students to attend their public universities.

Colorado and New Mexico have an agreement that offers students of those states in-state tuition when they cross state lines. Texas offers nonresident tuition waivers to students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma. New Mexico has an agreement with Colorado and Arizona. Ohio provides in-state tuition to students who reside in a contiguous state.

5. Take Advantage of Exchange Programs

There are also exchange programs which provide reduced or in-state tuition for some or all states in a geographic region. In some instances, there are certain requirements, such as minimum GPA or test scores, and/or you must be pursuing an eligible degree.

Academic Common Market (South)

This exchange stipulates the degree you want to pursue must not be available in your home state. Only select colleges in the states listed participate, and those that do may set their own GPA and test score requirements. It is crucial to understand that you are locked into the specific program of study if you decide to use this tuition discount. If your student switches, they will be charged full out-of-state tuition.

Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) (Midwest)

Similar to the other exchange programs, not every college participates, and each college sets its own admission guidelines regarding academic performance and what specific degrees would merit the discount.

New England Regional Student Program (Northeast)

Students must be in an approved program or area of study; many colleges only allow eligibility if the student’s degree is not offered in their home state. There are over 1,200 eligible graduate and undergraduate degree programs at the 82 participating schools.

Southern Regional Education Board’s Regional Contract Program (South)

Qualified students may pursue professional health degrees at participating out-of-state universities — paying in-state tuition at public institutions and reduced tuition at private ones. Students in participating states can earn degrees in dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry and veterinary medicine.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (West)

The Western Undergraduate Exchange allows students to attend a college/university in the member states. Students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate which is a substantial savings. Full nonresident college-tuition rates may exceed 300 percent of resident rates.

There is also a National Student Exchange which provides discounted tuition at more than 150 colleges, including colleges in all 50 states.

6. Consider Legacy Scholarships

Many colleges offer discounted rates if your student is a legacy student, often waiving non-resident tuition charges. For instance, Boise State has an Alumni Legacy Scholarship that covers the cost of in-state tuition and fees. The applicant must have a parent or grandparent who graduated and is a member of the alumni association and must also meet GPA and standardized test score requirements.

Qualifications and requirements vary among colleges and may change each year. Do your research because many schools are going test-optional and adjusting their scholarships accordingly.

Evaluate Your Options

Ultimately, you and your student need to do your own research if you want to pay in-state tuition at an out-of-state college. Maybe there’s a school you initially ruled out because you thought it was too expensive to attend out of state. Check on the college website and research the state’s higher education website for reciprocity agreements. If you have questions, call the financial aid or admissions office for clarification. Attending an out-of-state public university may be within your financial reach.

7 Podcasts for Students Going Through the Admissions Process

Written by College Confidential

Podcasts can offer a wealth of information to busy students, particularly when it comes to the college admissions process. We've rounded up a list of seven helpful college admissions podcasts for people who want an expert advice or an insiders take on applying to college.

Future U

The Future U podcast was created by Jeff Selingo, author of College UnBound and There Is Life After College, and Michael Horn, author of Choosing College. Select episodes include topics such as community college innovation and "the game of student loans."

Admitted: The Official College Confidential Podcast

We'd be remiss if we didn't recommend our very own podcast, Admitted. Our hosts, CC Student Ambassador Gabby Alphonse and our Community Manager Jon Ericson, meet with real students, parents and admissions experts to get the inside scoop on applying to college, campus life, and more.

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Hosted by Elizabeth Heaton, founder of College Coach, weekly podcasts include topics such as paying for college, mental health issues in college, trends in merit and financial aid and taking a gap year.

Your College Bound Kid

The podcast was originally based on Mark Stucker's book, 171 Answers: to the Most-Asked College Admissions Questions, which centered around the queries Stucker receives as a college admissions counselor. Stucker wrote the book and co-hosts the Your College Bound Kid podcast, along with co-host Anika Madden, a writer, blogger and mom of three who has seen the college admissions process with her own children.

College Admissions Decoded

Created by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the membership association for school counselors and college admissions officers, this podcast features interviews with NACAC member-experts to help demystify the college admission process or students and their families.

The College Essay Guy Podcast

Ethan Sawyer, known as the College Essay Guy and author of College Essay Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Successful College Admissions Essay, has hosted 214 episodes of this podcast. Recent episodes have included diverse topics such as advice for homeschooled students and financial tips for international students.

Get Schooled by Reeves and Ford

Chris Reeves has been a public school counselor for more than 20 years and is a co-host with Joel Ford for the Get Schooled by Reeves and Ford podcast. Recent episodes have covered the college admission scandal, AP vs. dual credit, and "The Great Liberal Arts Debate."

Whatever your listening style, there is sure to be at least one podcast — or more — that can give you more in-depth information about college admissions as you go through the process.

 

Parent Guide to the Common Application

By Amanda Gohl

The Common App allows both first-time students and transfer students to apply to multiple colleges at once, eliminating having to repeat some of the most tedious parts of the application. However, navigating this platform can be daunting, especially for first-time parents. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the Common App step-by-step, empowering parents to support your student effectively on their journey to higher education.

Give yourself plenty of time to complete your applications. It shouldn’t be crammed into one sitting. Start early so you have plenty of time to be thoughtful in your responses. 

Step 1: Create an Account

The first step is for the student to visit the Common App website (commonapp.org) and create an account. Tip: students should use a personal email address, not their high school email address. 

Step 2: Add Colleges

Using the “College Search” feature, they can easily find and add institutions to their list. 

Step 3: Common App Components

In the “Profile” section under the “Common App” tab, your student will provide their personal details, contact information, and demographic data. Remind them to be accurate and consistent throughout the application.

The “Family” section asks about your household. Only the boxes with the red asterisk are required. 

The “Education” section requires information about your student’s high school, planned courses for senior year, and academic achievements. If required, students will see an additional section for “Courses & Grades” where they’ll individually enter every class taken and grade earned in high school. Students will need a current high school transcript to help with this process. 

The “Testing” section allows students to enter scores for tests they’ve previously taken and also list upcoming test dates. Students can still choose within each individual application to apply with or without test scores, if the college is test-optional. Unsure if testing is required? Visit the Dashboard tab and click on “Application Requirements.”

The “Activities” section is an opportunity for your student to showcase their involvement outside the classroom. Advise them to highlight their most meaningful activities and provide brief descriptions of each. 

Step 4: Tackle the Essay Prompts

The “Writing” section is where your student will respond to the essay prompts required by the Common Application. Encourage them to start early, allowing ample time for revisions. Remind them to let their authentic voice shine through and share personal stories that demonstrate their character and values.

The “Additional Information” section under “Writing” is an opportunity for students to write about something not included in other parts of their application that they feel is important for the admissions office to know. Your counselor can help you determine if you need to include anything here. 

Step 5: Request Recommendations

To see what each college requires at a glance, revisit your “Dashboard” and click on the “Application Requirements” button. The end of the grid will tell you which colleges require (and how many) teacher evaluation, other evaluations, and counselor recommendation. 

To add recommenders or collaborators, go to the “My Colleges” tab. You’ll need to individually add teachers and other recommenders within each college. Start by choosing one of your colleges and click on “Recommenders and FERPA.” You will first need to complete the “FERPA Release Authorization” before you can add recommenders. 

Next you can add your counselor (only need to add once), teacher(s) (add for each college as needed), other recommenders, and advisor(s) if needed. 

Step 6: Additional Application Components

Within each college tab you’ll have “Questions” specific to that college and their application. Once you select your “Preferred start term” you’ll choose your “Preferred admission plan”. Refer to the “College Information” section for admission deadlines. 

Some colleges may have a required Writing Supplement embedded into the Common App. This will need to be completed before submitting your application. 

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before hitting the submit button, thoroughly review the entire application for accuracy and completeness. Double-check that all essay prompts are adequately addressed and that there are no errors in the form. You do not have to wait until you’ve completed every application nor do you need to wait until your counselor or recommenders have completed their portion. When you complete an application on your end, you may submit it.

Step 8: Pay Application Fees

Be mindful of application fees. The application grid from the dashboard can give you a quick overview of the total cost of your applications. If needed, discuss potential fee waivers or alternative financial options with your student’s school counselor.

Step 9: Monitor Application Status

After submission, your student can track the status of their application through the dashboard. Keep an eye on deadlines and make sure supplementary materials, like test scores and transcripts, are sent to colleges on time.

What Happens Next?

The Common App dashboard gives a nice overview of requirements but students should also have their own way of keeping track of deadlines and next steps as they may be submitting applications that are not on the Common App. Most colleges will send students an email once they’ve received the application to create an account through the college. It may take several business days for all application components to be recognized in the college portal, don’t panic! Pay attention in your portal to any additional requirements such as other essays, scholarship deadlines, etc. 

Conclusion

The Common App can seem overwhelming at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you and your college-bound student can confidently navigate the process together. Parents – encourage your student to take the reins while offering guidance and support when needed. Remember, the college application journey is not just about reaching the destination but also about the growth and self-discovery that comes along the way. Embrace this exciting time and celebrate each milestone achieved. With determination and preparation, your student will be well on their way to making their college dreams a reality

 

UGA Admissions Stats for the Class of 2028

 

On Friday, the University of Georgia released the final round of admission decisions for the class of 2028. Below you'll find quick facts, a helpful infographic that highlights this talented group of students and an announcement regarding the commitment deposit deadline.

Breakdown for the Class of 2028: Admitted: 15,900+ Wait listed: 3,620+ Denied: 22,200+ Admitted for Spring 2025: 366

Academic Profile for the Class of 2028 (mid 50% range): GPA: 4.05 - 4.33 SAT: 1280 - 1470 ACT: 29 - 34 AP/IB courses: 8 - 13

Commitment Deadline Extension for Georgia Residents: As a result of the ongoing delays with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we are extending the deadline for Georgia Residents to submit their commitment deposit to May 15.  It is important to note that the commitment deadline for admitted students who are classified as Non-Georgia Residents and International students will remain unchanged and will still be May 1. The extension is intended to grant Georgia Residents, who are most likely to be impacted by the delay in federal aid, additional time to review, understand and consider financial aid offers before making a final decision.

The Office of Admissions thanks you for your collaboration and support throughout this academic year. We are genuinely amazed by the academic and extracurricular accomplishments of the students in our applicant pool. We recognize your role in supporting these students as they navigate their high school experience and prepare for the next step in their educational careers. Thank you for all that you do.

David Graves Director of Admissions Office of Undergraduate Admissions | University of Georgia Terrell Hall | Athens, GA 30602-1633 Facebook | Instagram | Blog | YouTube

Navigating the “Second Look: A Parent’s Guide to “Accepted Student Day”

by Lee Shulman Bierer

As a parent, watching your high school senior transition from adolescence to adulthood is both exciting and nerve-wracking. After months of college applications, essays, and waiting, your child is about to be accepted to multiple colleges, and soon it will be time for the “second look” visits. These visits are crucial in helping your child make their final decision about where to attend college.

As a parent, your role in this process is essential, and here’s how you can navigate it effectively:

1. Encourage Exploration: The second look visits offer an opportunity for your child to explore the campus, meet with professors, and interact with current students. Encourage them to ask questions and immerse themselves in the college environment. While it’s natural to feel nervous about the unknown, remind them that this process is about finding the right fit.
2. Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Ask them about their impressions of each college they visit, what aspects they liked or didn’t like, and any concerns they may have. Listen attentively and offer support without imposing your own preferences.
3. Discuss Priorities: Help your child identify their priorities in a college or university. This could include factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, extracurricular activities, distance from home, financial aid, and career opportunities. Encourage them to prioritize what matters most to them and consider how each college aligns with those priorities.
4. Financial Considerations: Have open and honest discussions about the financial aspects of attending each college. Review financial aid packages, scholarships, and any potential student loans. Consider the long-term implications of each financial decision and how it aligns with your family’s financial goals.
5. Trust Their Instincts: Ultimately, the decision about where to attend college should be driven by your child’s instincts and aspirations. While you can offer guidance and support, it’s essential to respect their autonomy in making this decision. Trust that they will choose the college that feels right for them.
6. Stay Positive and Supportive: The college decision process can be overwhelming for both parents and students. Stay positive and supportive throughout this journey, reassuring your child that no matter which college they choose, you will be there to support them every step of the way.
7. Seek Guidance if Needed: If your child is struggling to make a decision or if you have concerns about their choices, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from college counselors, teachers, or other trusted advisors. Sometimes an outside perspective can offer clarity and perspective.

The “second look” visits mark the final stretch of the college decision process, culminating in one of the most significant decisions your child will make in their young adult life. By offering guidance, support, and encouragement, you can help your high school senior navigate this transition with confidence and clarity. Remember that no matter which college they choose, their success ultimately depends on their dedication, passion, and hard work. So, celebrate this milestone together and look forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead.

When a College Says No

 

From College Admission Expert Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D.

The real madness of March has nothing to do with basketball—it begins when colleges announce their admissions decisions, starting around March 20. As a pre-game warmup, let’s review what we already know:

• Most selective colleges report an increase in applicants every year;
• Since these schools don’t admit more students than they did last year, that means they end up saying no to more students…
• …and wait-listing more students. This increase means fewer students are likely to be admitted from the waitlist come May—and if they are admitted, financial aid will be scarce.

To ease your concern, I have one word of advice. Actually, it’s a number:

850

To begin with, calm down. This is not the highest score you can earn on some mystery version of the SAT. Eight hundred fifty is the number of valedictorians recently rejected from one of America’s most prestigious colleges. These students represented the best their high schools had to offer; they did everything they were “supposed” to do, yet they weren’t even offered a place on the waitlist.

At this point you’re probably thinking one of two things:

1. “Wow, they put in all that work for nothing.”
2. “Geez, if they can’t get in, I don’t stand a chance.”

First things first. It had to be hard to be turned down by a school they loved—but did all that preparation really lead to nothing? Given everything these students had learned, the ways they had grown, and how they overcame adversity and embraced creativity in creating College Plans, B, C, and Q, did they really get nothing out of it?

If so, they have every right to be unhappy, but not with the college. They should be unhappy watching the sun rise and set 1307 times since the first day of ninth grade to the day the college said no, never once appreciating all each of those days had to offer in and of themselves.

They should hang their heads a little to realize, just now, the difference they’ve made to their classmates, their teammates, and the people in the soup kitchen.

And if they look back with regret on the many times they blew off a compliment from a teacher or parent because the goal of college wasn’t realized, that’s more than OK. They now know that the goal of fully living each day was conquered with a flourish—and that understanding will make each day all the richer at the wonderful college that had the good sense (and room) to take them.

What about the colleges you applied to? They’re looking for great students who have done wonderful things with their lives, and will work nicely with the other admitted students. That blend goes beyond test score and class rank—it goes to who you are, what you care about, and how you see the world. Problem is, they run out of room before they run out of qualified applicants.

The thing to focus on then is not who told you no, but who told you yes. If a college wants you but runs out of room, that’s their fault; if they don’t see you for who you really are, well, maybe that’s not the place for you after all. Either way, your contributions will be greatly admired, and badly needed, by the college that had the good sense to tell you yes—which means any no, from any college, simply cannot touch you.

EXCELLENCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

By the College Spy   

 

Class of 2025 students and parents,

As we get ready to go into college admissions season, it is good to be reminded that there is no magic formula to getting into your dream school.  Unfortunately, you can do all the right things and still not be admitted into your dream school.  Please read these thoughts from a college admission specialist about the reality of college admissions.  Remember this, as it will keep you grounded!! 

The Reality

We've all heard the story of the valedictorian with impressive extracurriculars and perfect test scores getting rejected from their dream college. Parents and students are baffled. "How could this happen with such a stellar record?"

The hard truth is this: college admissions isn't a meritocracy. In the whirlwind of SATs, GPAs, and extracurricular activities, students are often led to believe that ticking all the right boxes will usher them through the gates of any college their heart desires. Yet, the stark reality is that the college admissions process is complex and influenced by a myriad of factors—many of which are outside students' control. Selection committees look at a vast pool of candidates and often make decisions based on institutional needs and a balance of various student profiles. It's not a matter of fairness; it's about crafting a diverse freshman class, each admission slot filled with a puzzle piece that creates the overall picture the institution is striving for.

The Bright Side

Your child's worth is not defined by an acceptance letter. The skills, qualities, and experiences that they've acquired in high school will serve them well at any college. Encourage your child to continue to set ambitious goals, nurture their intellect, and contribute to their community. With these qualities, skills and experiences, they'll flourish and find success wherever they land.
 

The College Spy's Recommendations

1. Cast a wide net if your child is applying to selective colleges where qualified applicants are routinely rejected. Make sure the list contains target and likely choices.
2. Thoroughly research all colleges on your list (not just the most selective ones) to show your child that each college is worthy of their attention and consideration.
3. Visit as many colleges on your student's list as possible. Do not only visit the prestigious ones. I guarantee that you will be impressed by colleges that aren't the most selective.